Englishman River Falls Provincial Park

About This Park

Situated along the pristine Englishman River north of Nanaimo, Englishman River Falls Provincial Park features two stunning waterfalls cascading along the descending riverbed into a deep canyon.

This picturesque destination, set amid a lush old-growth and second-growth forest of Douglas fir, cedar, hemlock and maple, is an ideal location from which to explore and appreciate the incredible diversity of south central Vancouver Island, including nearby Cathedral Grove, the Pacific Rim, and the sandy shores of Parksville and Qualicum.

The park has a large day-use area and campground and contains several hiking trails that meander through the forest and along the river. Visitors can expect spectacular views along the way, particularly from two bridges that cross the river where it plunges down the narrow rock canyon toward quieter waters below. The lower falls end in a deep crystal-clear pool – an ideal swimming hole in the summer when river levels are low and a great place to view spawning salmon in the fall.

Park Size: 97 hectares

Special Notes: Domestic animals must be on a leash at all times in the park. Domestic animals are not allowed on beach areas or in park buildings.

Campground Dates of Operation

All dates are subject to change without notice

Opening and Closing Campground Dates:
(campground is accessible but may not offer full services such as water,
security, etc.)

May 1 – September 30
(Offseason: Day-use only – No winter camping)

Campground Dates with Full Services and Fees:

May 1 – September 30

Campground Reservable Dates:

May 15 – August 31

Total Number of Vehicle Accessible Campsites:

103

Number of Reservable Campsites, if applicable:
(all remaining sites are first-come, first-served)

55

Note: The above information is
for the campground only. Park users can still walk into the park
if conditions such as weather permit. Check the "Attention Visitor
Notice" above for park alerts.

Reservations

All campsite reservations must be made through Discover Camping. When reservations are not available all campsites function as first-come, first-served.

Campsite Reservations:Campsite
reservations are accepted and first-come, first-served sites are
also available.

Location and Maps

Please note: Any maps listed are for information only – they may not represent legal boundaries and should not be used for navigation.

Maps and Brochures

Nature and Culture

Natural Culture: The park was established in 1940 to protect the old-growth Douglas fir forest and the associated plant communities, as well as the area around the river and the waterfalls. According to an old legend, First Nations people in the area found the skeleton of a white man along the river near the waterfall, thus giving the falls its name. Today the park is noted for its natural beauty, which includes a deep crystal clear pool with a small rocky beach downstream from the base of the lower falls, a great fresh water swimming hole and sunbathing area.

Conservation: Established as a park in 1940 to protect the old growth Douglas-fir forest and the associated plant communities as well as the area around the river and the waterfalls.

Management Planning

Activities Available at this Park

Cycling

Cycling is permitted on roadways only. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in BC.

Fishing

Fishing is not permitted at Englishman River Falls Provincial Park. Anglers can check the current regulations issued by Fisheries and Oceans Canada for fishing opportunities around the park. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.

Hiking

Three kilometres of well maintained walking/hiking trails weave throughout Englishman River Park. From the day-use area and campground, trails lead through the lush second-growth and old-growth forest of Douglas fir, cedar, hemlock, arbutus and maple. The paths follow the river and lead to the upper and lower falls, providing views of the canyon and waterfalls along the way. The main trail crosses the river in two places, offering visitors a bird’s eye view as the water plunges down the narrow rock canyon toward quieter waters below. The lower falls end in a deep crystal-clear pool - an ideal swimming hole when river levels are low. Detailed trail maps are posted at information shelters in the park. For your own safety and the preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroys plant life and soil structure.

Pets on Leash

Pets/domestic animals must be on a leash at all times and are not allowed in beach areas or park buildings. You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement. Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.

Swimming

Swimming is allowed in the river below the lower falls. This deep crystal-clear pool is an ideal swimming hole when river levels are low. There are no lifeguards on duty at provincial parks.

Wildlife Viewing

A number of viewing stations in the park offer spectacular views of the forest and river canyon.

Facilities Available at this Park

Campfires

While fires are allowed, we encourage visitors to conserve the environment by minimizing the use of fire and using stoves instead. Campfire rings are provided at each campsite. Firewood can be purchased from the Park Facility Operator. Fees for firewood are set locally and may vary. To preserve vegetation and ground cover, please don’t gather firewood from the area around your campsite or elsewhere in the park (this is a ticketable offence under the Park Act). Dead wood is an important habitat element for many plants and animals and it adds organic matter to the soil. You can conserve firewood and air quality by keeping your campfire small. Limited burning hours or campfire bans may be implemented. Bring a portable stove for cooking.

Picnic Areas

This park has a large day-use/picnic area, located past the campground next to the parking lot. This scenic location nestled in the forest provides a viewing platform overlooking the river, as well as access to park trails. Facilities include a parking area for approximately 105 vehicles, a picnic shelter, picnic tables, flush toilets, fresh water and an information shelter.

Pit or Flush Toilets

Pit toilets are located in convenient locations throughout the park.
There is one flush toilet building, located near the day-use parking lot.

Vehicle Accessible Camping

This park offers spacious vehicle accessible campsites nestled in the mature forest. Campsite reservations are accepted and first-come, first-served sites are also available.

Vehicle Accessible Camping Fee: $21.00 per party / night

BC Senior’s Rate (day after Labour Day to June 14 only): $10.50 per senior party/night.
Read the User Fees Policy for information on Senior Camping Discounts.